Combination wearable  article and bib, and methods of using same

ABSTRACT

A wearable article in the form of a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends. The first end is adapted for securement to a wearer. The cape includes opposite first and second surfaces. At least one pocket is formed at the second end of the cape and extends along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape. The at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to wearable articles and their methods of use and, more specifically, to a wearable article in the form of a cape that is convertible to use as a bib.

BACKGROUND

For at least children and some in the special needs community, bibs are useful to protect the wearer's clothing from food or liquid that may be spilled by the wearer while eating or drinking. However, a bib may not always be readily available when needed. Furthermore, bibs tend to appear purpose-designed and, as such, are not always desirable to wear.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention comprehends a wearable article comprising a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer. The cape includes opposite first and second surfaces. At least one pocket is formed at the second end of the cape and extends along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape. The at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape.

Per one feature, the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer.

According to another feature, the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material. The second material may be different than the first material. In one form, the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant. Both of the first and second materials may be textile materials.

Per another feature, the first surface displays decorative matter.

In one form, the cape also includes a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface. The flap may be formed of a third material, such as a textile material, for instance, that is different than the first and second materials.

Also disclosed is a method of selectively using a wearable article as one of a fashion accessory or a bib, comprising the steps of:

providing a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer, the cape including opposite first and second surfaces, at least one pocket formed at the second end of the cape and extending along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape, and wherein the at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape;

selectively wearing the wearable article as a fashion accessory by securing the cape to a wearer with the cape arranged so that the cape is draped over the wearer's back and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the wearer's back; and

selectively wearing the wearable article as a bib by arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the front of the wearer, and turning the at least one pocket inside out so that the at least pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape so as to catch food or liquid that may be spilled by the wearer while wearing the wearable article as a bib and eating or drinking.

In one form, the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer, and the step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer comprises moving the cape from the back to the front of the wearer without removing the cape from about the neck of the wearer.

According to another feature, the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material. The second material may be different than the first material. In one form, the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant. Both of the first and second materials may be textile materials.

Per another feature, the first surface displays decorative matter.

In one form, the cape also includes a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface. The flap may be formed of a third material, such as a textile material, for instance, that is different than the first and second materials. The step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer further comprises folding the flap over the first end of the cape so as to be substantially disposed on the first surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be appreciated from the following description and accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention from a first surface thereof.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the invention of FIG. 1, shown from a second surface thereof.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are detailed views of the invention, partially depicting the cape and showing manner of reversal of the pocket thereof.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the first end of the cape, showing an exemplary embodiment for securing the cape about the neck of a wearer.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the manner of use of the present invention.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention comprehends a wearable article 10 in the form of a cape having, as depicted, a length extending between opposite first 11 and second 12 ends, and opposite first 14 and second 15 surfaces.

The first end 11 is adapted for securement to a wearer (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). More particularly according to the exemplary embodiment, an opening 13 is provided proximate the first end 11 for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer. It will be appreciated, however, that other means known to those skilled in the art may also be employed to secure the cape to a wearer thereof.

The first surface 14 of the cape is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface 15 is substantially formed of a second material. The second material may be different than the first material. In the illustrated embodiment, the first 14 and second 15 surfaces are formed of textile materials which are different from each other. More specifically, the first textile material—i.e., of the first surface 14—is of kind that is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant, for the reasons described below. The second kind of material may be the same as the first or, as in the illustrated embodiment, is selected so as to be softer than the first kind of material.

As shown, at least the first surface 14 displays decorative matter, such as exemplified at reference numeral 16.

Referring also to FIGS. 3A and 3B, at least one pocket 17 is formed at the second end 12 of the cape and extends along a width thereof, as shown. The at least one pocket 17 opens toward the first end 11 of the cape and is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A) in which the at least one pocket 17 opens onto the second surface 15 of the cape, and a second configuration (shown in FIG. 3B) in which the at least one pocket 17 is turned inside out so as to open onto the first surface 14 of the cape.

Referring next to FIG. 4, an exemplary means for securement of the cape to a wearer is shown, according to which the opening 13 is defined by first 18 and second 19 arms of the cape which are adapted to be releasably secured to each other proximate their free ends. In the illustrated embodiment, releasable securement is effected by providing male 20 and female 21 portions of a hook-and-loop type fastener. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or both of these portions 20 and 21 may be of sufficient length to permit the size of the opening 13 to be selectively adjusted according to where the arms 18 and 19 are secured together. As will also be understood, securement of the cape to the wearer according to this embodiment is effected by placing the wearer's neck within the area of the opening 13 and then securing the arms 18 and 19 together via the hook-and-loop fastener.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, article 10 optionally includes a flap 22 of material provided on the second surface 15 proximate the first end 11. The flap 22 is adapted to be selectively folded over so as to be substantially disposed on the first surface 14. More particularly according to the illustrated embodiment, flap 22 is secured to the cape, along an edge 23 of the flap, adjacent the opening 13. Flap 22 depends freely from this area of securement, and is formed of a flexible material, so as to be capable of being folded over the edge of the cape proximate opening 13 in order to selectively rest on the first surface 14 when the cape is arranged for use as a bib.

Flap 22 may, as in the illustrated embodiment, be formed of a third material, such as a textile material, that is different from the first material and second material. The selected material may be relatively soft in nature so that the flap is best suited to serve to wipe the chin of a wearer when the cape is arranged as a bib in the manner hereafter described.

The disclosure also comprehends a method of selectively using an article 10, such as described above (including per the various embodiments and/or comprehending the various features described above), as either of a fashion accessory or a bib. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the method comprises the steps of: (i) providing a wearable article 10, such as described above; (ii) selectively wearing the wearable article 10 as a fashion accessory by securing the cape to a wearer W with the cape arranged so that the cape is draped over the wearer's back and the first side 14 faces outwardly away from the wearer's back (FIG. 5A); and (iii) selectively wearing the wearable article 10 as a bib by arranging the cape so that it is draped over the front of the wearer W and the first side 14 faces outwardly away from the front of the wearer, and turning the at least one pocket 17 inside out so that the at least pocket 17 opens onto the first surface 14 so as to catch food or liquid that may be spilled by the wearer while wearing the article as a bib and eating or drinking (FIG. 5B).

Where the cape takes a form such as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the step of securing the cape about the neck of the wearer is effected by placing the wearer's neck within the area of the opening 13 and then securing the arms 18 and 19 together via the hook-and-loop fastener portions 20, 21. Also according to this embodiment, it will be appreciated that the step of arranging the cape so that it is draped over the front of the wearer (i.e., for use as a bib) can be effected by moving the cape from the back to the front of the wearer W without removing the cape from about the neck of the wearer. That is, owing to the manner in which the cape is secured to the wearer, the cape may simply be rotated about the wearer's neck to rearrange it from the back the front of the wearer, rather than the wearer having to remove the cape from his/her back, repositioning the cape on his/her front, and then re-securing the cape to his/her person.

The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the innovation. The embodiments are shown and described in order to explain the principles of the innovation and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the innovation in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 

The invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:
 1. A wearable article, comprising a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer, the cape including opposite first and second surfaces, at least one pocket formed at the second end of the cape and extending along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape, and wherein the at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape.
 2. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer.
 3. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material.
 4. The wearable article of claim 3, wherein the second material is different than the first material.
 5. The wearable article of claim 4, wherein the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant.
 6. The wearable article of claim 5, wherein the first material is a textile material and the second material is a textile material.
 7. The wearable article of claim 1, wherein the first surface displays decorative matter.
 8. The wearable article of claim 1, further including a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface.
 9. The wearable article of claim 8, wherein the flap of material is formed of a third material that is different than the first material and second material.
 10. The wearable article of claim 9, wherein the third material is a textile material.
 11. A method of selectively using a wearable article as one of a fashion accessory or a bib, comprising the steps of: providing a cape having a length extending between opposite first and second ends, the first end adapted for securement to a wearer, the cape including opposite first and second surfaces, at least one pocket formed at the second end of the cape and extending along a width of the cape, the at least one pocket opening toward the first end of the cape, and wherein the at least one pocket is selectively positionable between a first, default configuration in which the at least one pocket opens onto the second surface of the cape, and a second configuration in which the at least one pocket is turned inside out so that the at least one pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape; selectively wearing the wearable article as a fashion accessory by securing the cape to a wearer with the cape arranged so that the cape is draped over the wearer's back and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the wearer's back; and selectively wearing the wearable article as a bib by arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer and the first side of the cape faces outwardly away from the front of the wearer, and turning the at least one pocket inside out so that the at least pocket opens onto the first surface of the cape so as to catch food or liquid that may be spilled by the wearer while wearing the wearable article as a bib and eating or drinking.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the first end of the cape includes an opening for positioning the cape about the neck of a wearer, and wherein the step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer comprises moving the cape from the back to the front of the wearer without removing the cape from about the neck of the wearer.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the first surface is substantially formed of a first material and the second surface is substantially formed of a second material.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the second material is different than the first material.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first material is resistant to food stains and/or is liquid repellant.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first material is a textile material and the second material is a textile material.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein the first surface displays decorative matter.
 18. The method of claim 11, further including a flap of material provided on the second surface and positioned proximate the first end, the flap of material adapted to be selectively folded over so as to lay over the first surface, and wherein the step of arranging the cape so that the cape is draped over the front of the wearer further comprises folding the flap over the first end of the cape so as to be substantially disposed on the first surface.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the flap of material is formed of a third material that is different than the first material and second material.
 20. The wearable article of claim 19, wherein the third material is a textile material. 